The grade-school Air Jordan 11 Retro "Space Jam" from 2016, style 378038-003, reconnects a film-famous colorway with Michael Jordan's brief return in number 45.
Released on December 10, 2016 at a recorded $170 GS retail price, the pair combines Black, Dark Concord and White. Its black mesh and patent leather upper sits over a white midsole and translucent outsole, while 45 is stitched at the heel. The 2016 retro raised the patent mudguard closer to the 1995-96 shape and launched across a complete family-size range.
From an early sample to Space Jam mythology
Tinker Hatfield developed the Air Jordan 11 while Michael Jordan was away from NBA basketball, continuing despite uncertainty about his return. Jordan wore an early version during the 1995 playoffs after coming back in number 45, then the black-and-blue shoe appeared in the 1996 film Space Jam. That screen connection eventually supplied the nickname, even though the colorway did not receive a standard retail release during the original playing season.
Patent leather was both visual and structural. Its glossy mudguard gave the shoe dress-shoe formality while helping contain the foot. Ballistic-style mesh reduced weight above it, full-length Air cushioned the platform and a carbon-fiber plate added support. The combination became central to Jordan's 72-win championship season, making the AJ11 one of the clearest examples of performance design crossing into formal fashion language.
Why the 2016 details mattered
Earlier Space Jam retros used 23 at the heel, but the 2016 version restored 45 to reference the pair Jordan wore during his first comeback playoffs and the film production period. The patent leather also rose higher around the upper, bringing the profile closer to original samples. Dark Concord appears through branding and underfoot, while the white midsole creates the dramatic line that makes the black upper look almost suspended.
StockX records 378038-003, December 10, 2016 and $170 for the grade-school pair. Sneaker News documents the same date and separates the GS code from adult, preschool, toddler and crib versions. Those distinctions matter because a full-family launch creates many visually similar listings. The heel number, higher patent cut and exact grade-school identifier provide the strongest record for this edition.
How to verify this exact release
Jordan products can appear in adult, grade-school, preschool and toddler sizing, with a different style code assigned to each build. The most dependable identifier for this product is 378038-003. Match that code to the box label, documented color sequence and correct size category. Nicknames help people discuss a release, but retailers sometimes reuse or shorten them, so the SKU provides a more precise record than the name alone.
Then compare current photographs with the documented construction: upper material, panel colors, tongue and heel branding, midsole treatment and outsole finish. Release dates and original prices below describe the historical launch; they are not promises about present availability or market value. The Loryxen Shoes button links to the live product record for this exact item, while the cited sources support the history, materials and technical details used in this article.
Condition, fit and present-day use
A pair should be evaluated as it exists today, not only as it appeared on launch day. Leather, textile, foam, rubber and adhesive can change during storage, particularly on older retros. Sizing and internal construction can also vary between adult and youth editions. Inspect current images closely, request condition information when necessary and choose the listed size rather than assuming every Jordan model fits alike. A historically important basketball shoe may remain collectible even when a fresh modern model is the more dependable option for demanding court play.
For daily wear, consider the intended size category, closure and surface conditions as seriously as the colorway. Keep the shoes dry, clean each material with an appropriate method and allow them to air naturally. Original packaging can help verify the product record, but it does not replace a careful inspection of the pair itself.
Release details at a glance
- Model: Grade-school Air Jordan 11 Retro Space Jam 2016
- Style code: 378038-003
- Colorway: Black / Dark Concord / White
- Release date: December 10, 2016
- Original GS retail price: $170
- Signature detail: Number 45 on the heel
- Upper: Patent leather and ballistic-style mesh
The 2016 Space Jam is historically persuasive because its details point backward with purpose. Number 45 and the higher patent cut connect the retro to Jordan's return, while the black, white and Concord palette preserves the film-era image that made the shoe globally recognizable.
Research note: This original editorial was prepared from the verified product record and the linked sources. Regional launch timing can differ, and current availability and pricing may change. Sources: StockX: 378038-003 release record; Sneaker News: full-family 2016 Space Jam guide.
